A/N: Many apologies for the delay! I've been very busy with life, and had a bit of writer's block. This chapter was originally supposed to be half the current length, but I decided to add what is supposed to be chapter 2 into this one to make up for the wait. To be clear, this chapter takes place a week after the end of the previous story, not the prologue.

Thank you all for the reviews and support!

Enjoy the chapter!


Chapter 1: Descent

"You want to what?!"

Hunter sighed, and if he could, he would have rolled his (our) eyes. Think about it, Seth, if we pull through, then we would have a more believable story-!

"It's too risky!" I argued, placing my backpack beside me after I sat down. There were still more people boarding the train from Penn Station to Greyhound. "I won't get called out this early!"

Ye of no faith, Hunter grumbled. Seth, I know you're nervous, but iris-messaging Clare now and telling her our plans to join would demonstrate our trust and reliance on her, minimize chances of a fallout, and depending on how well it goes, she may even vouch for us. Out of everyone in the Titan Army, Clare knows you the best. If you fool her, then you'd have no problem fooling the rest of them.

"That's only if we manage to convince her," I hissed, keeping my voice down as another passenger walked past. "If we don't, then all of our plans are toast before we begin!"

Did I ever mention how much of a pessimist you are?

"I'm being careful," I argued, "which you can't seem to be, apparently."

We're never going to get anything done if 'being careful' is your priority! Hunter snapped. We're going to have that talk with Clare sooner or later, Seth, and I'd rather WE control that conversation in this safe environment than in an interrogation room!

I winced, my jaw clenched tightly in discomfort. I knew exactly why Hunter felt we needed to speak with Clare, and what was worrying him. The Titans wouldn't treat me like any other initiate. They wouldn't welcome me, who has actively foiled their grand schemes twice, as easily as a stray demigod they coerced off the streets. I've rejected Luke and Clare's offers before, warded off Kronos for many nights, and was indirectly involved in getting Atlas back under his burden. Not to mention, the numerous missions I've completed for the gods under Walt and Lynetta's care. I could only hope the Titan Army didn't know about those.

Hunter feared that without someone on their side to vouch for us, the Titans would choose to kill us without any explanation on our part. His fear was understandable, and this scenario was something I've considered likely, if not for our prophecy. Half of our prophecy has yet to take place, and it has stated I would lose my 'mortal life' after I save old friends and foes, whoever they were. Seeing how I've yet to do that, or place the world under 'Death's flight'—the chances of us getting killed upon arrival was slim to none.

Fair point, Hunter grudgingly accepted, but you forget something, Seth- prophecies are dictated by our actions and decisions, and they are prone to change in meaning. We could also save these friends and foes in a cell? As for that 'Death's flight'? That could be synonymous to a deadly plague and disease we help spread in a prison block-!

"Alright, I get it!" I said too loudly, causing a couple nearby passengers to look at me strangely. I sheepishly looked away from their prying eyes, and kept my gaze on the glass. The train has started to move. Is there no other option? Can't this wait until after we reach Louisville?

It's best that we do this before, Hunter said, we don't want Clare wondering how we figured out one of their base locations. When we talk to her, we should also question where we should join up, and Clare would more than likely suggest some building in Louisville as the closest destination. We need to get this confrontation out of the way as quickly as possible, Seth, when we still hold the advantage. Once we get in contact with the Titan Army, we won't have it anymore.

I nodded. That made sense, unfortunately. Okay, fine. So how should we do this? We can't exactly iris-message her right in front of all these mortals. We also need a credible story.

We'll use the restroom, Hunter suggested, and after I excuse myself and did just that, he continued, as for the credible story, we already have one.

"What would that be?" I muttered, locking the door and applying some Mist to obscure and mask our upcoming conversation.

The most convincing lies are the ones closest to the truth, Hunter said sagely. Just act like how you were before you knew the truth about Artemis. Oh, also mention how the campers are treating you badly after your claiming, like how nobody understands you and whatnot and you'll get Clare's sympathy too.

"You make it sound so easy," I grumbled, suddenly recalling my last meeting with Artemis, who wasn't the only one struggling to leave the other. She had wanted to take me back to Walt's place, but I refused, for both of our sakes. Our departure still left me feeling bittersweet. "Why don't you talk to her instead, Hunter? You're the better liar."

You sound so proud, Hunter deadpanned. No, Seth, it must be you. Like I said before, Clare knows you very well. If my talk with Katie Gardner was anything to go by, then Clare is just as likely to notice something is off if she speaks with me. I…don't have enough confidence to pull off being 'you' – if that makes any sense.

Oh gods, I hated it when his logic was sound. "We're quite the pair, aren't we?"

Hunter laughed, No one can compare. Anyway, let's start. Just know that I'm right here with you. I'll help you out when you need me to.

"Right," I mumbled, and then realized one crucial fact. "How are we supposed to conjure a rainbow in a restroom?"

Leave that to me, Hunter said before I felt him take control of our body.

I watched, mesmerized, as his (my) hands quickly summoned a small bowl, hand mirror, white paper, tape roll, and flashlight. Hunter filled the bowl halfway with water on the sink, taped the piece of paper on the large mirror and submerged the hand mirror at an angle before giving me control once more.

Point the flashlight at the hand mirror and a rainbow should appear on the white paper, Hunter instructed. I was still gaping at his quick setup. Where did he even pull these materials from?!

"How did you even…?"

I could imagine Hunter rolling his eyes now. It's a small matter of optics, Seth. Were you not paying attention when Lynetta was going over visible light and reflective and refractive angles? Shame on you.

"You're insane," I said in disbelief.

If it makes you feel any better, I had a lot of time to think about these things when I wasn't speaking to you, Hunter admitted. One of these things was how I can conjure up rainbows for Iris Messaging in various kinds of locations.

"I'm curious what else you were thinking about," I said bluntly.

I'm sure you are, Hunter dismissed, now quit delaying the inevitable and get talking!

Hesitating, I turned on the flashlight and adjusted the direction as needed. Sure enough, a small rainbow emerged onto the white paper. I took out a drachma from my pocket, and uttered the standard prayer.

"Oh goddess, please accept my offering," I whispered, tossing the coin in. The drachma disappeared once it hit the rainbow, and very quickly a shimmering screen started to flicker. "Show me Clare Evergreen."

I swallowed in anticipation as the small screen flickered once more, and a figure started to appear. I sucked in a breath when my eyes saw Clare, who was seated at a long empty table, a meal before her and a fork in her hand. She looked different from last I saw her; her long golden-brown hair that was tied back in a ponytail was now cut at shoulder length, and her light skin seemed tanner. Her green eyes narrowed in concentration at some newspaper she was reading while she chewed. I quickly recalled that Clare was an early riser. She hasn't noticed me yet.

That quickly change when I called, "Clare!"

I sensed Hunter's amusement at making Clare so startled that she choked on what she was eating and dropped her fork in shock. She swerved her head about, trying to find out who had snuck up on her before her gaze landed on me. The silence was nerve-wrecking as the two of us just stared at each other. I was still struggling what I should say next while Clare looked like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

That silence was broken when I tried to greet her the best I could. "It's been a long time, Clare."

Clare didn't say anything at first, and continued to eye me suspiciously. She swallowed down her food, and deciding that I was who she thought I was, she finally spoke.

"Seth," she said quietly, adjusting her shoulders a bit, "I didn't expect you to call."

What do you want? Her stern eyes silently demanded.

"How are you?" I began awkwardly, and when Clare looked at me with a raised eyebrow, I specified, "I-I mean, last time we met, you and I weren't exactly, um, on good terms so…"

Oh, my gods, Hunter groaned, just cut to the chase! The clock's ticking!

Apparently, Clare was of the same mind. "Why are you calling me, Seth?" She was frustrated, struggling to hold back her protests. "You never bothered before, so why now? If you tell me this is some social call or you're trying to get me implicated-!"

"It's not like that!" I said quickly. "Things haven't been going well on my side, and…and I guess you were right after all." Clare blinked in surprise.

"Right about…what?" Clare asked.

"A lot of things," I began carefully, my eyes downcast, "like getting ostracized after a claiming, getting those sneers and looks from people who think they know what it's like." I risked a glance, and realized that Clare was listening very intently, and I took that as a good sign.

"I want a place to belong," I told her honestly, taking Hunter's advice. "That's why I always tried so hard, you know? I wanted to make friends who understood me, who would stand by my side against all odds. I wanted a fresh start after that happened, and I thought that if I worked hard, tried to go beyond what they expected out of me, then I would gain their acceptance despite what my heritage is." I sighed and shook my head before asking her, "do you get what I'm saying?"

She nodded tentatively, and that earned me a cheer from Hunter. "Working hard isn't everything, Seth. If someone has already developed their opinion of you, then it would take more than sweat and tears to change that opinion. It isn't worth it."

I sighed, "Yeah, I found that out the hard way after being forced to save Artemis-!"

"Wait," Clare said, confused, "what do you mean by 'forced'?"

Nice, Hunter complimented. You've got her now, Seth. Now reel her in.

"I guess you didn't know," I said, "I never wanted to join that Quest to start with. Phoebe, another one of Artemis' hunters, was supposed to be there, but she had a mishap and couldn't make it…"

Thus, I began to inform Clare of my disastrous claiming (which earned me some indignant outbursts on my behalf), my quarrel against Zoe and the hunters, and finally my reasons for joining the Quest in the end despite my 'hatred' against Artemis. I also made sure to stress the fact that I didn't like owing favors to understate my loyalty towards Thalia, Annabeth, and Percy especially, since I knew Clare didn't like him. Our conversation went on for so long that I had to toss in another three drachmas to lengthen the call.

"So," Clare said after I finished, "you did your duty. You rescued that horrible goddess and even saw Olympus. From what I heard, Thalia Grace was made the Hunters' lieutenant while the golden trio are back together, no doubt showered with compliments, but what about you? What did you get in the end?"

I gave a mirthless laugh. I knew exactly what to say about this part of the story. "I got nothing. Artemis still treated me coldly as usual, and her brother still gives me those warning glares like he's expecting me to slip up any second. Camp wasn't much different. Other than getting a cabin all to myself, nothing else changed. I'm still seen as an anomaly, something abnormal, and my 'friends' joined the bandwagon. In the end, it really wasn't worth it."

"What did you expect?" she asked.

"Not much," I admitted, "but I would have appreciated a simple 'thank you', but I guess even that is too much to ask for."

"Is that why you left?" she said suddenly. Noticing my confusion, she clarified, "you were absent from Camp Half-Blood for approximately ten months. What were you doing during that time?"

Instantly, I was suspicious. "How did you know about that?" Was it true after all? That there was indeed a spy working for Kronos at camp?!

"It doesn't matter," Clare dismissed. "So, what were you doing?"

Help me, Hunter!

Don't panic, Hunter urged, tell her a half-truth- that you've been traveling around and honing your skills, but don't mention Walt, Lynetta, or any missions we received from the gods. Oh, and don't mention the Romans either.

I quickly agreed. "I felt like my skills were stagnating, like there was nothing else Camp Half-Blood could offer to help me improve. I got permission from Chiron to leave and travel around America for a while, visit some nice cities, and fought off some monsters as necessary-!"

"That's nice," Clare cut in, looking a bit bored, "but why are you calling me now? You've realized I was right about them, and you could have called me much earlier, instead…" She broke off suddenly when the train came to a halt, causing me to lose my footing and draw unwanted attention. "Seth, where are you?"

I was sheepish. "The restroom. On a train, to be precise. You know, for traveling around?"

I held my breath when Clare's face drew a blank, like she had no idea what to think of this.

"Clare," I said carefully. My time was up. All the meandering about the bush and catching up could only do so much to delay the true purpose of this Iris-Message, and I silently prayed to the Fates to look upon me favorably. "I don't know what to do. I am at a loss, Clare, and I feel like I…like I no longer have any purpose. My friends were not who I thought they were, Artemis and her Hunters couldn't care less about me, and I have no home to return to. You're the only one I can rely on, Clare. Please, if our friendship meant anything to you- help me out this once."

Clare was silent, pondering through my words carefully. I had tucked my hands behind my back, my fingers digging into my cold sweaty palms in trepidation. I also sensed Hunter feeling the same way. If Clare refused to help me or give me the offer I hoped she would make, and I arrive at one of their bases despite this, then I would be in one Hades of trouble. I didn't like leaving things to chance or good luck (those could only take you so far) and I have a bad feeling I'd spent my fair share of those already.

At last, Clare finally replied, "I've already made this offer to you twice, and you've rejected them both times because of those friends of yours but…because I value the past we shared, I will offer it again one last time."

My silver eyes widened, and I already knew what she was about to say. I could hear Hunter giving a victorious cheer, but my hands still haven't loosened their grip. I couldn't relax, not until the end.

"Would you like to join the Titan Army, Seth?" Clare said at last. "They will offer you purpose, a place to belong- just as you've always wanted. They reward those with power and talent, and I know you have plenty of that, Seth. You will be appreciated, recognized, and given your fair share."

Instead of agreeing immediately, which would make me suspicious, I decided to act hesitant. "T-the Titans? You do realize that I've rejected Luke's offer of joining before, and how I also ignored Kronos and participated on those Quests- would they still accept me despite what I've done?"

"That's true, but if you are willing to join our cause, the Titans wouldn't turn you away. Well," Clare backtracked, "at least, if you were to complete initiation anda couple more tests of loyalty, then they should have no problems officially recognizing your membership."

"Um, tests of loyalty?" I repeated, sounding worried. I was never told about those, but when I thought about it, it should have been expected.

Clare nodded. "It will be difficult, but as long as you truly wish to dedicate your service to the Titans, then they shouldn't deter you." When I was quiet for too long, she prodded, "What do you say?"

Say yes, Hunter urged. You've got it! Come on, say it!

"Are you happy?" I suddenly blurted, ignoring Hunter's incredulity and the sound of his hand smacking his forehead, and muttered something about wasting time on idle chatter before he excused himself out. Clare looked surprised by the question. "I meant what I said when I asked if you were doing well. So, are you?"

Clare smiled, and her green eyes softening in that dim light. For a moment, I could almost believe I was seeing my best friend, the one who resided in Cabin Four and enjoyed tending to the strawberry fields and walking under the evergreen shade of the Southern Woods of Camp Half-Blood. The same friend who looked forward to our spars, and agonized over upcoming class exams and cabin inspections. The Clare I knew was still there, and it was up to me to bring her back to the gods, away from the Titans' toxic influence. I had to believe she was still redeemable, lest Hunter decided to strip Clare of that opportunity.

"I am," she said, and it saddened me to hear how genuine she sounded, "and I would also be happy if…if you would accept my final offer? I've missed what we've had, Seth. We were partners once."

"Yeah, I missed you too," I murmured, closing my eyes briefly, and when I looked up, my gaze no longer wavered. I knew what I had to do, and I would do whatever it took to see it through to the end, or die trying. "I'll trust you on this, Clare. I'll join the Titans."

"You won't regret it!" Clare said quickly, her face expressing unfathomable joy. Her earlier cold demeanor quickly replaced by something far more pleasant, giving me a slight whiplash. "Now, I doubt you know where any of our initiations take place."

"I was hoping you would tell me," I said, recalling Hunter's advice.

"You mentioned you were on a train?"

"Yeah, I just left Penn Station."

Clare frowned, "the one in New York?"

"I was visiting my late family's grave," I explained, and that would have been the truth if this happened a week ago. "I felt like I needed to pay them my respects before I went traveling again. I didn't go to Long Island."

"And it's just you?" she asked.

"Yes," I confirmed, "there's no one with me, Clare, and I'm kind of lying low. I don't want to catch any attention from the gods or the stray monsters around here."

"Alright," Clare said, "I suppose I could give you a list of directions to the closest base, but be aware that the base is always watched and guarded."

I rolled my eyes. "Clare, I'm telling the truth. I am alone. This isn't a trick to get you to reveal your bases."

Clare shrugged, "Hey, it's just a little warning to tell you not to go in swinging and kicking. You'll lose if you did. Make sure to cooperate and everything will be fine. I'd hate to hear about how you died yet again."

"Oh, trust me," I said with a forced smirk, "I don't plan on dying."

We ended our iris-message after I correctly recited back the instructions Clare gave me, and exchanged a couple of good-byes. Just as predicted, Clare gave me the address located within Louisville, Kentucky, confirming Athena's source of information and good will. When I returned to my seat, Hunter was heard once more.

You believe she has a chance, Hunter said flatly, referring to my previous thoughts about Clare's redemption.

Everyone deserves a chance, Hunter, I thought back, the world isn't so hopeless that we'd always have to resort to lies and cruelty.

Artemis was a rare case, Seth, Hunter insisted, not everyone would willingly admit their wrongs and turn a new leaf. The sooner you fix that naïve thinking, the better off you'll be.

I clenched my teeth irritably. Right now, my counterpart's current mood-swing was Roman, in which he would be a complete cynic, worship cold-hearted logic above all else, and work in a strict militaristic manner befitting his heritage. This mood swing, as opposed to being easy-going or child-like, was the one I was most wary of, since 'Roman Hunter' had no qualms against fighting dirty, and committing murder.

What makes you think you know better than me, Hunter? I said, unwilling to back down. You don't know Clare as well as I do.

It's because I don't know her that well that I could approach this at an objective angle, Hunter pointed out. You CANNOT treat Clare like how she was before. She is an enemy. A traitor. More importantly, she is unpredictable and very dangerous. Do you remember how many times she has HURT you, Seth?!

Hunter's anger and thirst for revenge for the times Clare had nearly killed me remained strong and unerring. He wanted payback; he wanted to make her bleed and suffer. The mental images from his horrific desires he inadvertently flickered about my mind made me flinch.

Let me worry about Clare, I said sternly, she has been very helpful so far, and it was YOUR idea to contact her in the first place. So please, do control your whims and settle down. I do not want to be plagued by nightmares while I rest.

Thankfully, Hunter relented without protest. Then be sure to rest as much as you can, Seth. It may be the most peaceful break we'll have in a while.

-o-

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, was a tourist attraction I would have loved to visit any other day. The tall pointed spires and elegant white siding wrapped around the famous racing track, and I could easily picture a crowd of fans screaming in those stands, which were now occupied by a few demigods and monsters who were spread out erratically. There were even more monsters on the green, with a couple initiates in front of a registration table beside them. It took all the control I possessed and mastered under Walt's training to remain calm and trudge forward confidently, despite wanting to run and never look back.

I can do this, I thought, chanting the phrase over and over like a mantra. I am not an heir- I am a renegade. I'm here because I HATE her, and I want to get my REVENGE on her. St. Clair's Orphanage is no more, it burned to the ground. Artemis was the one who sentenced them to death and betrayed me first. I hate Artemis and her Hunters, I hate everything the gods stand for, and I hate being a pawn. I…I should believe this. I MUST believe it…!

Would you rather I handle this part, Seth? Hunter interrupted. I can do it if you're afraid of slipping up?

Thank you, but no, I said, I need to go through this myself. I must accept the situation now or else my cover's veracity will not last. Our allies are counting on us, Hunter, whether they know it or not.

If you insist, Hunter relented, but do remember to BREATHE, Seth. You're shaking.

Shoving my trembling hands into my pockets, I denied his claim too quickly. I'm not.

Uh huh, Hunter muttered, look, Seth, your resolve is admirable, and no one will blame you if you're scared-!

Scared? I thought, forcing out a scoff. I was currently standing in line behind another initiate, waiting to register. Seth Hunter does NOT get scared.

And now you're talking in third person, Hunter deadpanned, before I sensed his amusement, Hehe, THIRD person! You, me, and a THIRD person? His horrible taste in jokes made me forget the current predicament.

Now's not the time, I scowled while the monster disguised as a young man asked for my name. "Seth Hunter."

The monster looked taken aback. "Seth Hunter? The child of Artemis?" His blatant surprise and pointed look added on to the irritation I felt towards Hunter.

"Yeah, so what?" I said without thinking, struggling to hear myself speak over the Roman's obnoxious laughter. Stop laughing!

Come on, Seth, you gotta admit it's funny! Hunter snickered. Or PUNNY.

You just set a new standard for LAME, Hunter, I thought back, and I unknowingly made the monster back away from my glare, fearful of my bad mood. I pour out my insecurities and instead of sympathizing, you laugh at a lame pun. How inconsiderate can you get?

"A-alright, um, just sign your name on this line, and here's your card," the monster said. I did so absentmindedly, and quickly pocket the red card. I barely heard him say to go through the last door on my right, too occupied with my counterpart to notice my surroundings.

It's not inconsiderate if I just helped you, Hunter pointed out while I stepped through the door and walked up a set of stairs.

I rolled my eyes. Helped me? You did no such-! I blinked, and suddenly I realized that I was already in the stands, seated not too far away from a couple initiates, who either looked at me curiously or tried to avoid my gaze. I had gone through registration without knowing it.

"Oh, my gods," I said aloud. I wondered if I was in shock. "Did you just….?"

You're welcome, Hunter said cheekily, and I could already imagine that cocky smirk on his face. You so OWE me one after this.

I groaned as I sat down, my palms against my face. Don't ever do that again, Hunter. What if that monster got offended and didn't let me through?

I think he was more terrified of YOU getting offended than him, Hunter recalled, still sounding very pleased, and he should be, if he's heard about what we could do. I couldn't help but notice how ominous that sounded.

You think he's heard about us?

Well, he did seem a tad more nervous after he heard our name, Hunter pointed out. We're getting some well-deserved recognition.

That's not a good thing, Hunter, I protested, we don't want any monsters getting apprehensive of us and alerting the Titans of our past deeds. I doubt we'd be favored if they knew we were cutting down their allies not too long ago.

Did I ever mention how much of a pessimist you are?

"I've been told," I mumbled, before turning to analyze my peers.

There weren't that many of them, which was a good thing. I didn't recognize any of them, and any auras I did recognize were mostly those belonging to non-Olympians. There was a group of Hecate's kids huddled together, a couple of Nike kids, and a daughter of Iris texting off to the side with a son of Morpheus, who struggled to stay awake. The daylight started to wane as a few more initiates joined the stands: a son of Hebe, a daughter of a minor deity I didn't recognize, and lastly, a dark-haired boy who…didn't have an aura?

Before I could investigate this anomaly further, a brown-haired teen, who was yet another son of Hecate, emerged from inside and called for our attention.

"Welcome, new recruits, to our esteemed army!" he exclaimed with pride, his gaze lingering on each of us briefly before continuing, "My name is Alabaster Torrington, and as your senior officer, I am here to guide you all to your initiation. Follow me."

Here goes nothing, Hunter thought, and I agreed. I made sure to wait for all the other initiates to go in front of me, including that aura-less boy before joining them at the rear. As Hunter, I had trouble detecting legacies from a distance compared to demigods, whose auras were much more apparent than their second-generation peers. Usually, when this happened, all I needed was to stand next to a legacy, and slowly but surely, I would detect their source of divinity with ease. Yet despite how close I was standing beside the kid, I still didn't detect it. The boy truly had no aura whatsoever, and that could only mean one thing.

The boy was a mortal.

While I pondered over how a mortal got mixed up into this mess, Alabaster led all of us into what looked like a diner hall. There were rows of chairs and tables pushed to the side to make room, and there were a couple of TVs hanging above a bar. I noticed immediately a large black cloth that had been draped over the center of the south wall, with four dracaenas guarding it. I wondered what laid behind it.

That curiosity was put to rest when Alabaster ordered the dracaena to pull away the cloth, and I gasped at the sight of a large dark hole- there were these reddish veins and tendrils at the edges, and the air coming out of it smelled foul. This may be the first time I was seeing it, but I've heard enough from Percy, Annabeth, and Grover's firsthand experiences to know exactly what I was looking at.

"This is one of many entrances into the Labyrinth," Alabaster confirmed, "it spans throughout the United States, and we have been using it as our primary means of travel. That's why, it is important that each of you acquire the skills to navigate its many paths. Your task is to make sure you arrive at the John Hancock building in Chicago two weeks from now. If you miss the deadline, then you have failed initiation.

"But beware of the Labyrinth," Alabaster warned, "for it is no ordinary maze. It is a living creature, designed by the late Daedalus to safeguard his secrets, and it is filled with traps, dead-ends, and creatures you imagine in nightmares. Time is skewed, and things are not always what they appear.

"It is recommended that you all travel in groups," he instructed, "you may also travel in pairs, or alone if you wish; it doesn't matter- As long as you show up at the Hancock building before the deadline, you pass."

Predictably, there was a lot of whispering going on after that. I overheard a couple initiates deciding to travel with their friends (an appropriate choice) or asking around for a partner. I've already decided what I planned to do when Alabaster spoke up once more.

"Of course, this initiation is more than just passing and failing," the son of Hecate added. "The Titan Army values teamwork, leadership, and competition. If your group passes, and happen to arrive earlier than another group, then your group will receive better rewards. The rewards will be split evenly among you, which means that a person traveling alone will receive more rewards and honors than a group member that arrives at the same time."

"What are the rewards?" a girl asked. I was unsurprised to know she was a daughter of Nike, the goddess of victory. Based on my previous encounters with them, children of Nike lived on competition, and they would fight with every ounce they got to secure the best rewards.

Alabaster grinned, "Money and power, to name a few. That is what each of you would gain if you pass initiation. As for how much you will get for each, that depends on you. Before entering the Labyrinth, you will each hand me your red card and I will register your name and any members you chose to travel with together. This is done to keep track of how many of you are in the maze, as well as to help us calculate the rewards. I will also be placing a small enchantment on each of you to signify your affiliation with the Titan Army. We wouldn't want any recruits mistaken for our enemies. Any questions?" A guy raised his hand. "Yes?"

"What if we decided to group up with another person while in the maze? Will the rewards we get differ?"

"Good question," Alabaster muttered, "and yes, your amount will differ if another person emerges out of the Labyrinth with your registered group."

"And what if you lose a member of your group?" the guy asked again.

Alabaster clenched his jaw tightly. "Then that member's share will be split evenly among the rest of their team, but make no mistake," he warned, before the whispering started, "the Titans do not encourage backstabbing. If they witness any of you committing this heinous act, then you will not receive any rewards."

No rewards, Hunter repeated, but also no punishments. My eyes narrowed at that implication.

We will do no such thing! I hissed back.

I never said I would, Hunter snapped, irritated by my assumption, but just because I won't, it doesn't mean the others won't either. I'm saying we need to be careful, Seth. Alabaster also mentioned the Titans need to serve as WITNESS for this crime to bear any punishment. If someone were to do this unseen, then there will be no loss for the perpetrator.

Oh, I thought, suddenly mortified. I'm sorry, Hunter. I didn't mean it like that-!

Forget it, Hunter dismissed. We're going to try avoiding the others anyway. We've decided to go alone, right?

Yeah, I answered. It'll be tough, but I trust our tracking skills will give us an advantage, as well as our ability to detect auras. We aren't called the Huntress' heir for nothing.

You also got me as your partner, Hunter said proudly. I chuckled softly.

Of course, Hunter. I didn't forget.

"What about you?" one of the guys had asked Alabaster. "Are you also going in the Labyrinth?"

Predictably, Alabaster shook his head. "I've already passed my initiation, and there are matters I need to attend to that I can't waste time on. Any other questions?" When he received none, Alabaster went and stood beside the entrance. "Then I expect to see most of you in Chicago in two weeks. Your initiation begins now."

Once Alabaster dropped the mic, every initiate began to seek out their partners. Although my mind was set on going alone, I chose not to go up immediately and decided to stick around and check out how my new rivals were going to attempt this challenge. It wouldn't make a difference if I went in first or last due to the Labyrinth's skewed time lapses. I noticed the two children of Nike have paired up and went in first, followed by a trio of Hecate children, and then the daughter of Iris with the son of Morpheus, joined with the son of Hebe. More demigods I didn't care to name also went up in groups or pairs. I also noticed that the mortal had tried many times to unsuccessfully snag a partner, which was a surprise. The boy was obviously clear-sighted, and his eyes would prove invaluable against the Labyrinth's Mist-ridden traps. At least, that was what I heard from Percy when he convinced Rachel Dare to join them on the Quest.

But these initiates didn't know that. Most of them have never stepped foot within Camp Half-Blood, and news of Rachel Dare's vital role during the Battle of the Labyrinth must not have gained much momentum or popularity for the spies to pick up on. She was the invisible hero, I realized, and briefly, I regretted not seeking her out and thanking her properly before I left.

I was broken out of my thoughts, when two demigods, a son of Iris and a daughter of Nemesis, came over and asked who I was, or more specifically, my godly parent.

"I'm going alone," I told them, refusing to answer their inquiry. If they knew I was related to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, they would never leave me be.

Unfortunately, the daughter of Nemesis proved to be very persistent. "There's more safety in numbers, and we could always use an archer." She looked at the bow and quiver of arrows behind my back before returning my stare.

"I'm going alone," I insisted, "if you want another member, then you're better off asking that kid other there." I motioned my head towards the mortal, who has failed to convince an older teen to team up with him. There weren't many initiates left.

The girl made a face. "That kid is a mortal."

"So?" I said, suddenly getting defensive. "Just because he's mortal, it doesn't mean he's weak."

"Let it go, Hailey," the son of Iris interrupted, narrowing his blue eyes at me. "He thinks he's too good for us. We'll make it on our own, and get a bigger share of the rewards."

"Darren!" Hailey hissed.

"You better move along then," I said sarcastically, "I'd hate to keep you from your prizes."

Darren glowered at me a second more, but he didn't rise to my bait. Instead, he looked away sharply and headed towards Alabaster, and given no choice, Hailey quickly followed her friend. The two of them handed over their red cards, and disappeared into the Labyrinth.

Now that most of the groups were formed, and I've got an idea of who I was up against, I finally took out my red card and walked over to the entrance, intent on starting my initiation. Unfortunately, I was intercepted by the mortal, who was starting to look desperate. My delay allowed the last three demigods to hand over their cards to Alabaster first, leaving me as the only option left.

"Can we be partners?" he asked me, looking very out of breath. "You're the last chance I've got to pass initiation." My sensitive nose could pick up the amount of sweat he was releasing, making me very uncomfortable. I noticed Alabaster was scrutinizing me, wondering what I was going to do.

I sighed, and decided to humor him. "What's your name, kiddo?"

"Ricky."

"I've been wondering, Ricky," I said, "what is a mortal like you doing here?"

"H-how can you tell I'm mortal?" Ricky said in surprise. "I haven't said anything."

I shrugged, "Well, other than hearing about it from another initiate, I notice you don't carry any celestial weapons, and the way you hold yourself," I muttered, glancing down at his lanky frame, "doesn't seem to speak of any strenuous training or signs of ADHD; your eyes would be wandering restlessly if you did, but it was mainly your lack of an aura that gave you away the moment I saw you."

"A-aura?"

"Don't worry about it," I dismissed. "Anyway, why should I partner with you, Ricky? You see what this place truly is, right? If you value your life, it's better to turn back now while you still can."

"But I have nothing to turn back to!" Ricky protested. "It's the reason why I'm here. I've seen these monsters nearly all my life, and I've seen demigods like you fighting them in the streets! I've been labeled insane, and I've had my fill of institutions and foster homes! I don't belong in the mortal world, and the Titans can give me what I need to join yours-!"

"Let's get one thing straight here," I interrupted, my mood turning foul, "I don't care about what happened to you. I don't care about your life story or why you've got a big chip on your shoulder. You had a hard life, so what? You're not the only one! You are mortal, and that means your capabilities are less than subpar. You are useless to me, mortal, and I have no need of your eyes to help me pass."

I shoved past the stunned mortal without a glance, and handed my card to Alabaster, who took it without question, and began the enchantment. Hunter, meanwhile, gave an impressed whistle.

Well, I'll be damned, Hunter said, you sounded like me for a moment there. I couldn't have hit the reality button any harder than you did into that poor bastard.

It pisses me off when people think they've got it so hard, then they are excused for their inadequacy, I answered, besides, I'm doing the kid a favor by preventing him from making the biggest mistake of his life.

And it's also one less enemy for our side to worry about, Hunter pointed out.

I almost smirked. Exactly.

Eventually, Alabaster was finished with his enchantment, and without further ado, my new journey into the backstage of the second Titanomachy began.

-o-

A/N: Just some more insight on why Seth was so harsh on the mortal OC – just like what Seth told Hunter, he dislikes people who can't see above their own problems, and thus, makes everything about themselves. In a way, Seth was also describing how he was like before Apollo and Artemis told him the truth. It's kind of a roundabout way of Seth expressing his self-loathing.

Seth is in no way prejudiced towards mortals. I had him praise Rachel Dare for her efforts earlier in the chapter to deny this discrimination, and he is only cold towards Ricky because he is a potential enemy, and he also hopes Ricky to turn back for his own good. Seth hates traitors as much as Hunter does, which is why he sounds like his counterpart.

Please leave your thoughts, opinions, and predictions in your review. Thanks for reading!